The plea deal reached by Donald Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen has exposed a relationship between the president and the National Enquirer that goes well beyond screaming headlines.
Court papers show how David Pecker, longtime friend of the president and head of the Enquirer’s parent company, offered to help Trump stave off negative stories during the 2016 campaign.
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Prosecutors also detail the tabloid’s involvement in payoffs to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal to keep quiet about alleged affairs with Trump.
The accusations threaten the tabloid’s parent company, American Media Inc., both legally and in the court of public opinion.
The National Enquirer did not respond to a request for comment.